CBS News
Key witness in Holly Bobo murder trial says his testimony was a lie, court documents show
As the star witness in the Holly Bobo murder trial, Jason Autry spoke in a calm, deliberative manner as an attentive jury listened to him recreate the day the kidnapped Tennessee nursing student was wrapped in a blanket, placed in the back of a pickup truck, driven to a river and shot to death by his friend.
Autry wore a white jail uniform and made a point of putting on eyeglasses as he looked at rural maps during his hourslong testimony in the killing of Bobo, a 20-year-old woman who disappeared from her home in 2011. Bobo’s remains were found more than three years after a massive search of woods, fields and farms.
A convicted felon facing serious charges in the case, Autry gave graphic testimony against his friend Zachary Adams, including details about drug use and Bobo’s kidnapping, rape and slaying. Autry told the jury he served as a lookout as Adams shot Bobo under a bridge near a river.
“It sounded like, boom, boom, boom, underneath that bridge. It was just one shot but it echoed,” Autry testified. “Birds went everywhere, all up under that bridge. Then just dead silence for just a second.”
Praised by the trial judge who called his testimony credible, Autry’s story helped seal the fate of Adams, who was convicted at the 2017 trial and sentenced to life in prison plus 50 years. More than six years later, court records show Autry’s taking it all back and recanting his testimony, saying he made up the story to avoid spending life in prison.
Autry’s reversal was revealed in two petitions, obtained by CBS affiliate WREG-TV, seeking post-conviction relief filed by Adams’ lawyer in Hardin County, where the trial took place. Adams, 39, wants his conviction thrown out based on Autry’s latest statements about the case that grabbed national headlines and frightened residents of Bobo’s quiet west Tennessee hometown of Parsons, about 120 miles east of Memphis.
Attorneys say Autry’s truthful testimony also provides the necessary alibi for Adams, WREG reported.
“The record will ultimately acquit Mr. Adams based on Mr. Jason Autry’s complete and total recantation,” one of the petitions says.
After Bobo disappeared, authorities and volunteers launched an intense search. Missing person flyers bearing her face were distributed in many states and national news outlets breathlessly focused on the case. Bobo’s remains were eventually found in some woods by ginseng hunters in September 2014.
Investigators found no DNA evidence connecting Adams to Bobo. Instead, they relied on testimony from friends and jail inmates, who said Adams spoke of harming Bobo after she died. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said that the investigation was the most exhaustive and expensive in the agency’s history. Witnesses painted a disturbing picture of drug life in rural West Tennessee and the trial featured high emotions: Bobo’s mother collapsed on the witness stand.
Adams’ ex-girlfriend Rebecca Earp also took the stand during the trial, CBS affiliate WTVF reported at the time. Earp said Adams saw a news report about Bobo and remarked, “They’ll never be able to find her.”
Earp said Adams threatened to “tie me up just like he did Holly Bobo, and nobody would ever see me again.”
Like Adams, Autry was charged with kidnapping, rape and murder, but he received leniency for his testimony. Autry eventually pleaded guilty to solicitation to commit murder and facilitation of especially aggravated kidnapping, and he was sentenced to eight years in prison. He was released in 2020, but he was arrested about two months later and charged with federal weapons violations after a deputy saw him in a rural field with a rifle. Autry, 49, is scheduled to be sentenced in April following his guilty plea in the weapons case.
Tennessee’s Court of Criminal Appeals denied the initial appeal of Adams’ conviction in 2022. The most recent petitions discussing Autry’s decision to recant his testimony were filed in Hardin County Circuit Court on Jan. 22, based on what Adams’ lawyer refers to as new evidence. The filings seek a hearing and for Adams’ conviction to be set aside.
Autry met with Dr. Katie Spirko, a forensic and clinical neuropsychologist, and told her that he was recanting his trial testimony. Autry said he made the story up after his lawyer told him he was “95% certain of a conviction” of charges against Autry in the Bobo case, according to one of the petitions.
The petition says Autry concocted the entire story in his jail cell while reviewing discovery evidence. He admitted his testimony was false and that he used extensive cell phone data to create a story, the petition says.
“He said he just recreated his day and ‘added Holly to it,'” the filing says. “He acknowledged it was all to get him out of jail at the express guidance of his attorney.”
The petition notes that Autry’s testimony was critical in securing a conviction against Adams. Judge C. Creed McGinley, who presided over the trial, said at Autry’s sentencing that his testimony “was some of the most credible, persuasive testimony I’ve ever heard given in a courtroom.”
Generally, it’s unusual for a cooperating witness to recant testimony years after a trial. It is unclear whether Autry’s decision will affect Adams’ criminal conviction, but it’s the first significant development in the case since Adams lost his appeal.
It’s also unclear why Autry would recant his testimony now. A computer drive with Autry’s statements was filed with the court, but it’s not publicly available. A hearing to determine if the exhibit will be sealed is scheduled for April 17.
Douglas Bates IV, Adams’ post-conviction lawyer, declined comment through an assistant at his law firm.
Adams’ post-conviction relief petitions also argue that Adams should have been allowed to testify by his lawyers and they failed to rebut Autry’s story, the petitions say.
CBS News
How to watch the Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers NFL game today: Livestream options, more
The Seattle Seahawks will be facing off with the San Francisco 49ers today. The Seahawks are 4-5 this season and are coming off of a two-game losing streak, including last Sunday’s close 26-20 loss against the Los Angeles Rams. The 49ers will be trying to add another win to their two-game win streak, which includes last Sunday’s tight 23-30 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Here’s how and when you can watch the Seahawks vs. 49ers game today, whether or not you have cable.
Here’s how and when to watch the Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Seahawks vs. 49ers game will be played on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 4:05 p.m. ET (1:05 p.m. PT). The game will air on Fox and stream on Fubo and the platforms featured below.
How and when to watch the Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers game without cable
You can watch this week’s NFL game on Fox via several streaming services. All you need is an internet connection and one of the top options outlined below.
Fubo offers you an easy, user-friendly way to watch NFL games on CBS, Fox, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network, plus NCAA football channels. The Pro tier includes 200+ channels and unlimited DVR, while the Elite with Sports Plus tier adds NFL RedZone and 4K resolution. New subscribers get a seven-day free trial and all plans allow streaming on up to 10 screens simultaneously.
You can watch today’s game with a subscription to Sling’s Orange + Blue tier, which includes ESPN, ABC, NBC, and Fox. The plan offers 46 channels with local NFL games, nationally broadcast games, and 50 hours of DVR storage. For complete NFL coverage, add Paramount+ to get CBS games, or upgrade with the Sports Extra add-on for additional sports channels like Golf Channel, NBA TV and NFL RedZone.
Watching NFL games, including Fox broadcasts, is simple with Hulu + Live TV, which includes 90 channels, unlimited DVR storage, and access to NFL preseason games, live regular season games and studio shows. The service includes ESPN+ and Disney+ in the subscription.
Want to watch today’s game live on your smartphone? If so, NFL+ streaming service is the solution you’re looking for. It lets you watch NFL Network and out-of-market games on mobile devices, with an upgrade option to NFL+ Premium that includes NFL RedZone for watching up to eight games simultaneously. Note that NFL+ only works on phones and tablets, not TVs.
CBS News
How to watch the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills NFL game today: Livestream options, more
It will be the Kansas City Chiefs against the Buffalo Bills in a game set for today. The Chiefs enter the game undefeated, having won all nine games so far this season, the latest of which was a November 10 win against the Denver Broncos. The Bills enter the game with an impressive 8-2 record, their latest win coming against the Indianapolis Colts on November 10.
Here’s what to know on how and when to watch the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills game today, even if you don’t have cable.
CBS, Paramount+ and CBS Essentials are all subsidiaries of Paramount Global.
How and when to watch the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills game today
The Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills game will be played on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 4:25 p.m. ET (1:25 p.m. PT). The NFL football game will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ and the platforms featured below.
How and when to watch the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills game without cable
While CBS is available with many basic cable packages, you’ll have other viewing options, too. Whether you have cable or have completely cut the cord, the game will be available in a variety of other ways. Just understand that the below streaming options will require the use of an internet provider:
Paramount+: Watch CBS-aired NFL games without cable
With Paramount+ you’ll have multiple viewing options to choose from. You can catch NFL games on the Paramount+ Essential tier for just $7.99 each month or you can watch college football with a Paramount+ with Showtime subscription for $12.99 monthly. In addition to live streams of NFL games airing on CBS, you’ll get to watch additional live sporting events including NCAA college football, PGA Tour golf, soccer and more.
Get started with Paramount+ here today.
Amazon Prime Video: Add Paramount+ to your existing subscription
Already have an Amazon Prime Video account? Simply add Paramount+ to your current subscription to watch all the CBS-aired NFL games in addition to Paramount+ originals. The same prices from above apply, depending on which tier you choose. Not sure which is best for you? Don’t worry. Both options come with a free seven-day trial that can help you decide.
Watch the Chiefs-Bills game on Amazon Prime Video.
Fubo: Watch the Chiefs-Bills game for free
Looking for an inexpensive way to watch football? Fubo could be the best way to do so. The live TV streamer is currently offering a seven-day free trial and $30 off of your first month’s subscription. Once subscribed, you’ll gain access to all of their live sporting events immediately. And there will be a lot to choose from. Not only does Fubo come with access to NFL games airing on your local CBS channel, it also includes Fox Sunday NFC games, “Sunday Night Football” on NBC, “Monday Night Football” on ABC and ESPN and all of the games that air on the NFL Network. So don’t wait.
Get started with Fubo online now.
As the football season ramps up you may want to stock up on the latest NFL gear and merchandise. Fanatics is a great way to do so. With the latest player apparel and more, there’s plenty of stuff in stock to keep you covered this season. But don’t wait much longer. As each week in the season passes by competition for this limited merchandise will increase. Don’t wait for it to sell out.
Head over to Fanatics now to check out the latest NFL fan gear drop.
CBS News
How to watch the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Los Angeles Chargers game today: Livestream options, more
The Cincinnati Bengals will face off against the Los Angeles Chargers in a game today. The Bengals will be looking to bounce back from a November 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The Chargers, coming into the game with a record of 6-3, will be looking to extend their three-game winning streak to four in the game held at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Keep reading to find out how and when to watch the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Los Angeles Chargers game today, even if you don’t have cable.
CBS, Paramount+ and CBS Essentials are all subsidiaries of Paramount Global.
How and when to watch the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Los Angeles Chargers game today
The Cincinnati Bengals vs. Los Angeles Chargers game will be played on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 4:25 p.m. ET (1:25 p.m. PT). The NFL football game will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ and the platforms featured below.
How and when to watch the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Los Angeles Chargers game without cable
While CBS is available with many basic cable packages, you’ll have other viewing options, too. Whether you have cable or have completely cut the cord, the game will be available in a variety of other ways. Just understand that the below streaming options will require the use of an internet provider:
Paramount+: Watch CBS-aired NFL games without cable
With Paramount+ you’ll have multiple viewing options to choose from. You can catch NFL games on the Paramount+ Essential tier for just $7.99 each month or you can watch college football with a Paramount+ with Showtime subscription for $12.99 monthly. In addition to live streams of NFL games airing on CBS, you’ll get to watch additional live sporting events including NCAA college football, PGA Tour golf, soccer and more.
Get started with Paramount+ here today.
Amazon Prime Video: Add Paramount+ to your existing subscription
Already have an Amazon Prime Video account? Simply add Paramount+ to your current subscription to watch all the CBS-aired NFL games in addition to Paramount+ originals. The same prices from above apply, depending on which tier you choose. Not sure which is best for you? Don’t worry. Both options come with a free seven-day trial that can help you decide.
Watch the Bengals-Chargers game on Amazon Prime Video.
Fubo: Watch the Bengals-Chargers game for free
Looking for an inexpensive way to watch football? Fubo could be the best way to do so. The live TV streamer is currently offering a seven-day free trial and $30 off of your first month’s subscription. Once subscribed, you’ll gain access to all of their live sporting events immediately. And there will be a lot to choose from. Not only does Fubo come with access to NFL games airing on your local CBS channel, it also includes Fox Sunday NFC games, “Sunday Night Football” on NBC, “Monday Night Football” on ABC and ESPN and all of the games that air on the NFL Network. So don’t wait.
Get started with Fubo online now.
As the football season ramps up you may want to stock up on the latest NFL gear and merchandise. Fanatics is a great way to do so. With the latest player apparel and more, there’s plenty of stuff in stock to keep you covered this season. But don’t wait much longer. As each week in the season passes by competition for this limited merchandise will increase. Don’t wait for it to sell out.
Head over to Fanatics now to check out the latest NFL fan gear drop.